Scarface (rapper)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Scarface | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Bradley Jordan | |
| Born | November 9, 1970 | |
| Origin | Houston, Texas | |
| Genre(s) | Southern Rap | |
| Occupation(s) | rapper | |
| Years active | 1989 - present | |
| Label(s) | Rap-A-Lot Records / Def Jam South | |
| Associated acts |
The Geto Boys | |
'Brad Terrance Jordan, better known by his stage name Scarface (born November 9, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey) is an American rapper from the South Acres ' neighborhood of Houston, Texas. He was an early member of the Southern rap group The Geto Boys and still maintains ties with them, though he has been a solo artist since 1991.
Originally known for his work as a member of The Geto Boys, he has been a solo artist since 1991, becoming one of the most popular southern rappers in the business, although maintaining ties to the Geto Boys. Recording as Akshen (pronounced action), he began his career recording solo for Rap-A-Lot Records, a local label in Houston. In the late 1980s, he joined the Geto Boys as they were forming and released We Can't Be Stopped, a highly successful LP that garnered the group a large fanbase, in spite of their ultra-violent lyrics keeping them far from radio and MTV.
Akshen changed his name to Scarface (he even changed his flow from a rapid-fire Kool G Rap-like delivery to normal flow, this time with a darker tone), after the film Scarface, saying he felt that the main character of the movie was just like him in many ways. Soon he released his debut solo album, Mr. Scarface Is Back. The album was a success, and Scarface's popularity soon overshadowed the other Geto Boys. Scarface remained in the group while releasing a series of solo albums that kept him in the public view with increasing sales. This peaked with 2000s The Last of a Dying Breed, which received overwhelmingly positive reviews and sales, and earned him Lyricist of the Year at the Source Awards. In 2002 he released The Fix, the critically acclaimed follow up to The Last of a Dying Breed and returned to the studio with the Geto Boys for their latest album, The Foundation. He has done collaborations with such artists as Jay-Z, Master P, Jadakiss, Faith Evans, Chamillionaire, 2Pac, Nas, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Lloyd Banks, Beanie Sigel, Young Jeezy, Too Short, Bun B, Raekwon, Z-Ro, and Gang Starr. He is known for his sometimes unique and exaggerated voice and rapping technique. He also featured on The Biggie Duets alongside Big Gee and Akon. He guest-appeared on Ray Cash's debut single "Bumpin' my Music".
In addition to his prolific career as a lyricist, Scarface has also been the coordinator and president of Def Jam South since 2002, where he has fostered the career of popular rapper Ludacris, whom he originally signed to the label.[1]
In a recent interview, Scarface says he'll never record solo material again. He has stated that his last official album according to him was The Fix which was released in 2002.[citation needed] Scarface is now planning on production, he has been tapped to produce on the upcoming UGK album titled Underground Kingz.
Contents |
[edit] Trivia
- Some of Scarface's early music videos ("A Minute to Pray, A Second To Die") featured community activist Quanell X in supporting roles.
- Suffers from Manic Depression/Bi Polar Disorder
- Has appeared in two video games: Def Jam Vendetta and its sequel Def Jam: Fight For NY.
- Has recently converted to Islam [2]
[edit] Discography
| Album cover | Album information |
|---|---|
 |
Mr. Scarface Is Back |
 |
The World Is Yours (Face II Face) |
 |
The Diary
|
 |
The Untouchable |
 |
My Homies
|
 |
The Last of a Dying Breed |
 |
The Fix |
 |
Balls & My Word |
 |
One Hunid (with The Product)
|
 |
My Homies Part 2 |
[edit] Notable Samples
- "A Minute to Pray" (Mr. Scarface Is Back) contains a sample from "Inner City Blues" by Marvin Gaye.
- "Now I Feel Ya" (The World Is Yours) contains a sample from "Munchies for Your Love" by Bootsy Collins.
- "Goin' Down" (The Diary) contains an interpolation of "99 Luftballons" by Nena.
- "Mind Playin' Tricks 94" (The Diary) contains a sample from "Hung Up On My Baby" by Isaac Hayes.
- "2 Real" (My Homies) contains a sample from "Munchies for Your Love" by Bootsy Collins.
- "On My Block" (The Fix) contains a sample from "Be Real Black for Me" by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack.
- "Born Killer" (Mr. Scarface is Back) contains the Amen Break from the song "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons.
- "Mary Jane" (The Untouchable) was later heavily sampled by Ashanti in her song "Baby".
